Getting into a Lexus: IS 350, CT 200h stand out in small frames

A sport compact sedan, the IS series comes in three forms (Turbo, 300 and 350), each with its own engine. Our focus is on the IS 350 that utilizes a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is the most powerful of the engines (the Turbo gets 241 hp and the 300 has 255 hp), and while this might not be readily apparent in around-town driving, the cost difference is not exorbitant, either.

The price tag for the IS starts at $37,825 for the Turbo and the high-end 350 begins at $41,370. We drove one with rear-wheel drive but it is also available with all-wheel drive.

Like most Lexus vehicles, the IS is a smooth handler but with 277 lbs.-ft. of torque it falls shy of being a road course animal. Our test vehicle came with the optional F Sport Package, which enlivens the outfit with an adjustable suspension and tightens the throttle and 8-speed automatic transmission for better utilization of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The F Sport package ($3,155) alters the looks of the IS, also, with a unique bumper and spindle grille.

Inside, the IS can hold five passengers. Legroom is snug but not unreasonable since the car itself is just over 15 feet in length. All materials are of high quality and there are soft surfaces where needed. The optional navigation system brings a 10.3-inch multi-function screen into play in place of the standard 7-inch screen. Cargo capacity is a mere 10.8 cubic feet — that’s relatively tiny — but the rear bench does fold in 60/40 fashion.

The Lexus IS 350 is a classy car that can check off many needs in standard format. The F Sport package can take care of the wants.

Lexus CT 200h

OK. Hybrids and luxury are not exactly synonymous. So, let’s cut Lexus some slack here. Let us first focus on the EPA fuel economy ratings since that should be question one. The marks are 43 mpg/city and 40 mpg/highway. Now add to that the Lexus quality and the fact that this is a hatchback and there are plenty of pluses to go around.

This is a well-appointed little car (14 feet, 3 inches) that has leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, 10-way power driver’s seat and more.

Materials throughout the interior would have to be considered of lesser quality than the more upscale Lexus models, but they still seem to fit in a compact hybrid. Front-seat passengers have the requisite space, and two adults will be just fine in the three-passenger rear seat.

The powerplant is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that turn out 134 hp. This isn’t a go-getter, so focus on that excellent mileage. Our test vehicle came with the F Sport Package, so the driving manners and handling were sharper than ones without.

There are 14.3 cubic feet of space in the back and 34.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

The base price of the CT 200h is $31,250. At that price, there is good value here. The optional F Sport Package, navigation, pre-collision system and LED lighting package sent the bottom line to more than $40,000. What is better mileage worth to you?

2017 LEXUS IS350

2017 LEXUS CT 200h